The turkeys, former controversial residents on the grounds of South Beach Psychiatric Center in Ocean Breeze, are now members of what Ms. Stevens calls the Underfoot Family, "the ever-changing group of animals who live in our main barn and who, during the work day, do essentially whatever they choose. It always fascinates me that with a large farm to roam, most of them, no matter their species, choose to be underfoot."

The Staten Island turkeys "unexpectedly became part of the Underfoot Family," said a delighted Ms. Stevens, noting that the birds spend time with a free-ranging trio of goats, a flock of sheep, and a pair of roosters, named Jailbird and Emmett.

"They look and move like wild turkeys, and are very skilled fliers," Ms. Stevens commented.

"We clipped their flight feathers, but they still have enough lift. They choose where they want to roost. We leave the wide door of the barn open, but until now they're roosting in the trees and on the fences."

The state Department of Environmental Conservation granted permits for the turkeys to be destroyed, in response to the psychiatric center's complaints about sanitation and other problems the facility said the birds generated.

MISSION OF RESCUE

The Catskill Animal Sanctuary opened in 2001, and describes its mission as "to rescue and rehabilitate farm animals and horses, to advocate for the abolition of institutionalized cruelty to animals through education, and to help people adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle."

The sanctuary, a two-hour drive from New York City, is open to the public for weekend tours. The phone number is 845-336-8447.

Staten Islanders can make donations for the care of the turkeys, or sponsor an individual bird, by visiting the sanctuary's website: casanctuary.org.